A Micro-Credential is a short, concentrated course or certificate that is focused on a particular skill or competency. Where a diploma typically focuses on a specific occupation and a degree is targeted to an area or topic, micro-credentials focus on specific “chunks” of knowledge. Colleges and Institutes Canada defines a Micro-Credential as “a certification of assessed competencies that is additional, alternate, complementary to, or a component of a formal qualification.” Micro-credentials are recognized as a […]

What job do you feel would be a good fit for you? This is a question that we in Employment Services often ask our clients. A common response we hear is “I will take any job.” This leads us to inquire what does “any job” look like to you? We will then often ask questions such as: Are you available to work any day and/or any shift? Do you have your own transportation, or do

Is your job search going nowhere? Do you feel like you’re just spinning your wheels? It can be a lonely, exhausting, and disappointing venture to spend hours on the computer madly applying for jobs without getting a positive response or invitations for an interview. When I connect with someone who is looking for work that shares this experience, I first look at what we can do for them, which usually involves a quick scan to

Are you looking for a change in your career? Or are you a recent graduate from high school, university, or college? No matter your situation, whether you are looking for a change in your career or are just beginning your working life, career exploration can be a challenging area to navigate. Here are a few factors to take into consideration when thinking about your own career exploration. Your interests & Values Exploring your personal interests

You’re at an event with friends or family and the inevitable question comes up. “Have you found work yet?” We’ve all been there. This can be an awkward question, especially when it comes with advice or solutions for the next steps. Here are three common suggestions you may hear when networking isn’t going your way that could be helpful to your job search. Change Careers If you’ve recently been laid off, now may be a

April is National Stress Awareness month in Canada, a good time to take inventory of our stress management tools and supports to help alleviate some of its negative impacts. Here are some tips for managing stress in the workplace. Take space for yourself before your workday begins. If you can, create a routine of setting aside some time for yourself before your work starts. Checking-in on nutrition, rest, and mood can assist with reducing overall

Over the past few months, the unemployment rate in Ontario – and across most of the country – has held at about 5%. [1] 5% is considered especially low — Canada has averaged an unemployment rate of about 7.6% from 1966 – 2023, seeing it’s highest unemployment rate at 13.7% in May 2020. [2] Sometimes a low unemployment rate means that fewer jobless people are actively seeking work, however this doesn’t appear to be the

A simple thank you can be a powerful tool, both in times when we feel we are thriving, and when we’re stressed. Since paying attention to what we are thankful for helps us attune to feelings of wellbeing, it can also help us to refocus on what is working well and can help us navigate in the future. Here are some ways thank yous can be beneficial in working environments: While at Work Expressing gratitude

Have you ever frozen in an interview? The process can be daunting for everyone, including those of us that prefer lower-stimulation environments. Traditional interview processes can seem set up for extroverts, as Western working culture celebrates individuals for their charisma and talkative nature. Sometimes, an open-ended question that can seem so simple can knock us out of our confidence, especially if we’re out of our comfort zone to begin with. So, what are some ways